New Orleans is a hard place to encapsulate in mere words. At once beautiful and dishevelled, it is steeped in layers and layers of history which make it so compelling. This was my very first trip to the city, and I was enthralled from the first moment.
My friend Nicolette and I flew down to Louisiana the day after I arrived in New York from London. On our first evening there, we headed straight from the airport to the historic French Quarter for dinner and a ghost tour around the old town (in this city, tales of spirits and pirates and strange happenings abound, and mystery seems to seep from every aged building) and I was wide-eyed at the atmosphere that surrounded me. Blues bands played on street corners out the front of smoky little jazz clubs, gas lamps flickered in the warm air, tiny bistros and antique shops glowed invitingly and the intoxicating smell of Cajun food filled the warm air.
Even though it was the beginning of November, it was still as warm as summer in New Orleans and so anything more than a little dress would have been wholly unnecessary. I had packed this silk Band of Outsiders dress (which I like so much I just bought the top version as well) which I had worn on repeat towards the end of the English summer, but which also works with a coat and ankle boots for autumn and winter when not playing tourist in balmy New Orleans-climates.
It was so lovely to be able to make the most of the glorious sunshine, and we spent a happy few days just walking around the gorgeous streets of the French Quarter and Garden District, listening to live jazz, eating southern shrimp and beignets and all the Cajun food we could manage, making new friends and hunting for treasure in the most wonderful little antique shops and boutiques all over town. I won’t pretend that the whole city is perfect (in parts it is heartbreakingly impoverished and segregated), but on the beautiful, pastel streets of the French Quarter I felt as though I had been transported to another era.
Wearing: Band of Outsiders dress (also available here), Mulberry ‘Lily’ bag, Zara heels (sold out but similar style available here), Chloe sunglasses, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace and bracelets (sold out but similar style available here), J. Crew necklace (similar style available here), Jacquie Aiche ring. Beauty note: Essie ‘Bahama Mama’ polish, MAC ‘Ruby Woo’ lipstick.
New Orleans, you’re really rather wonderful!
Love, Miss B xx
P.S. Stay tuned for my mini-guide to city in an upcoming post
Photos of me by Nicolette Mason
Love this look! It works perfectly with the eclectic atmosphere of New Orleans!
http://www.ellen-loves.com
Thank you so much Ellen!
B xx
How cute! What a sweet look! And such a fun place for pictures! 🙂
http://sometimesgracefully.com
In love with that dress! Was so envious of all your Instagrams, really want to visit New Orleans now!
You are so sweet!!! This is a really pretty dress, as for New Orleans this place is so beautiful 🙂 xx
this look is perfection! and i love how you match the scenery.
What a pretty overall look – a nice break from all the layers and scarves I’ve been seeing in cooler climes!
Just booked my first trip to Nola in the upcoming weeks just for a few days and this post is making me oh so anxious to go. Can’t wait to read about your post and would love any/all recommendations.
http://www.anightinnyc.blogspot.com
This post and your outfit are so gorgeous! I have never been to New Orleans, but you’ve just made me want to hop on a plane and fly there now.
Look at you! So pretty in your floral dress. I feel like I’m staring into another time altogether… it’s so cold here, I can’t even imagine going bare legged. So mega jealous of your New Orleans adventures. I’ve never gone but would LOVE to. It looks really amazing. xx
I just found your blog & it’s SO beautiful! I love your posts! 🙂
Beautiful photos as always. Sounds like the perfect adventure. Btw it’s interesting how Ruby Woo looks completely different on everyone, because it sure does look very different on me. Fave MAC lippy.
Adela x
Misspinkstyle.net
pretty dress. 🙂
Irene Wibowo
These pictures are beautiful!!
You look very ladylike 🙂
Sounds like it was a great time.
XOXO
I just stumbled across your blog as I was researching the Mulberry Lily in blush. You are so pretty! I had to stop and comment as I also have the very same Kenneth Lane necklace and 2 bracelets. Guess we have similar taste (excellent, of course!) Take care. XO from Canada
New Orleans looks super cute! Your outfit is brilliant, loving the pearls especially.
Am loving the pearls!!! I just can’t wait for your mini guide and more photos!
Sofia
http://scarves.comtesse-sofia.fr/
What a WONDERFUL post:) your blog is such a great inspiration source
Check out my new post…a Divine Swedish chocolate recipy:)
Have a fab weekend dear
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – Swedish decor, food, and fashion
That dress looks lovely on you! I wish it was warm enough to walk around like that in Belgium 🙂
Thanks for visiting my wonderful city!!!! Hope you come back to visit us again! and hopefully when you return to New Orleans, I can meet a fellow blogger from London 😉